Wilderness Use Policy of the Boy Scouts of America

All privately or publicly owned backcountry land and designated wildernesses are included in the term “wilderness areas” in this

policy. The Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America and the principles of Leave No Trace apply to outdoor behavior generally,

but for treks into wilderness areas, minimum-impact camping methods must be used. Within the outdoor program of the Boy

Scouts of America, there are many different camping-skill levels. Camping practices that are appropriate for day outings, long-term

Scout camp, or short-term unit camping might not apply to wilderness areas. Wherever they go, Scouts need to adopt attitudes and

patterns of behavior that respect the rights of others, including future generations, to enjoy the outdoors.

In wilderness areas, it is crucial to minimize human impact, particularly on fragile ecosystems such as mountains, lakes and

streams, deserts, and seashores. Because our impact varies from one season of the year to the next, it becomes important for

us to adjust to these changing conditions to avoid damaging the environment.

The Boy Scouts of America emphasizes these practices for all troops, teams, and crews planning to use wilderness areas:

Contact the landowner or land-managing agency (USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management,

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state and private agencies, etc.) well before an outing to learn

the regulations for that area, including group size limits, to obtain required permits and current maps, and to discuss ways

Scouts can fulfill the expectations of property owners or land managers.

Obtain a tour permit (available through local council service centers), meet all of its conditions, and carry it during the trip.

Review the appropriate BSA safety literature relating to planned activities. (See Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Climb On

Safely, and Trek Safely.) Also see the Guide to Safe Scouting on the BSA Web site at

http://www.scouting.org/pubs/gss/toc.html for more information on current BSA policies and procedures for ensuring safe

activities, as well as the Fieldbook Web site at http://www.bsafieldbook.org.

Match the ruggedness of high-adventure experiences to the skills, physical ability, and maturity of those taking part. Save

rugged treks for older unit members who are more proficient and experienced in outdoor skills.

Conduct pretrip training for your group that stresses proper wilderness behavior, rules, and skills for all of the conditions that

may be encountered, including lightning, missing person, wildfire, high winds, flooding, and emergency medical situations.

Participate in training in how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace, and be proficient and experienced in the leadership and

skills required for treks into wilderness areas.

Adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace.